Can Ducks Eat Pomegranate? Certainly! But Avoid Overfeeding

Pomegranates are tasty but have harmful chemical compounds for ducks.

So, can ducks eat pomegranates? Yes, sure thing! Ducks can indeed eat pomegranates but be very strict about the quantity. It is because pomegranates have a high sugar ratio and chemical compounds that may harm the health of your ducks. Just consider it as a healthy snack for your ducks and only offer it to them occasionally.

Pomegranates are well-fitted for a duck’s diet only if it is given to them in moderation. We will elaborate on this matter and all other associated aspects in this article. Just keep on reading!

Can Ducks Eat Pomegranates? My Take on This Question

In short, yes. But give them this tropical fruit in your own responsibility. Ducks can eat pomegranates, and it won’t do any harm until they eat it excessively. It would only be a snack for ducks. Instead, add a variety of foods to their varied diet, such as vegetables, leafy greens, and aquatic plants. These are excellent sources of a wide variety of nutrients. For wild birds, the scenario might not be the same exactly.

Let’s elaborate on the response now.

First, let’s talk about the plus points of pomegranates. Pomegranates are filled with antioxidants. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Both of the nutrients will potentially contribute to your duck’s better digestive health and mental well-being. So, in this regard, pomegranates are safe. 

But, the sugar ratio in pomegranates is a big concern. Stats claim that more than 10% of pomegranates are sugar. The thing is, ducks do not require any sugar in their balanced diet. Apart from that, sugar can cause several health issues, such as excessive weight, obesity, and lessened heart rate. Therefore, do not consider it as their regular diet. 

As ducks are omnivorous birds, they’ll consume whatever the amount is. So, make sure you are not overfeeding them.

Are Pomegranates Actually Safe for Ducks?

To me, pomegranates are not safe. We already know about the high sugar ratio now. But pomegranates do have chemical components like pesticides too. That is why I do not suggest feeding pomegranates to your ducks.

According to a study, for example, Indian pomegranates contain dithiocarbamates, acephate, and carbendazim, which are all harmful to living creatures. These pesticides are toxic and can cause problems like nervous system breakdown and reproduction defects. 

However, I want you all to clear up a confusing thing. Many ask whether or not pomegranates are a citrus fruit, as these fruits are not safe for ducks. No, pomegranates belong to completely different botanical and culinary categories, unlike feeding oranges to ducks. So, it isn’t a citrus fruit surely.

So, overall, Pomegranates are risky, but they aren’t from the citrus family. 

Can Baby Ducks Eat Pomegranates?

I won’t give pomegranates to my baby ducks. I’m not saying you can’t give them pomegranates. But, there are so many pomegranate substitutes available in the market, which are cheaper and provide more nutrition to your baby ducks.

Another thing is that your baby ducks need a diet that is a good source of protein, not sugar content, to grow up well. So, give them a variety of foods with beneficial nutrients like calcium, protein, and water. Pomegranates aren’t a great source of protein and calcium. So, it should not be on this list. 

Can Ducks Eat All Portions of Pomegranates?

No, ducks can’t consume all portions of pomegranate. Let’s check them all which they can and can’t consume. 

Seeds: Pomegranates have edible seeds. Ducks have no problems with consuming seeds, just like pumpkin seeds. In fact, ducks can only eat the middle part of this sweet fruit, like the red flesh part and the seeds inside it. 

Skin & Stems: Pomegranates’ skin and stems can cause choking troubles and problems with the digestive system. So, avoid giving them pomegranate skins and stems.

Can Ducks Eat Dried Pomegranates?

This discussion is unnecessary here. Where I won’t suggest Pomegranates to adult ducks, dried pomegranates are no exception here. 

However, ducks will have no problem with eating pomegranates if you give them in ideal quantities. Furthermore, dried pomegranates are a good source of vitamin C. 

So, if pomegranates are right in amount, they will provide health benefits more than harm. That is why I said pomegranates are confusing. 

Can Ducks Eat Cooked Pomegranates?

If I consider cooking means processing pomegranates in heat, only boiled pomegranates are safe. Because there are no added sugar, salt, or spices here, and it won’t affect your duck’s health. Instead, boiled pomegranates are smooth to digest. So, no problems at all!

Can Ducks Eat Frozen Pomegranate Juice?

No. I won’t recommend you give frozen pomegranate or pomegranate juice. In 2018, according to CNN, an Australian woman died from eating frozen pomegranate seeds, which was supposed to have hepatitis A. Research claims pomegranate juice might have oxalic acid in it.

I’m not saying it can affect the duck’s health as well. In fact, on a hot summer day, frozen fruits like grapes and juices can give them refreshments. 

But it’s good to maintain a safe approach. Besides, juice can have added sugar and stuff, which won’t bring any good for your ducks. 

Related Reads:

• Can You Feed Duck Dates
• Do Ducks Eat Apricots
• Do Ducks Eat Peaches
• Cherries For Ducks

Nutritional Profile of Pomegranate for Ducks

Let’s have a look at the nutrition in raw pomegranates according to USDA data. 

Did you see the strange thing here? It is mighty high in water. But do not just pick it only for that matter. It’s also got quite a bit of natural sugar content in it too. So, it’s better to be mindful when giving it to your feathered friends. 

5 Benefits of Feeding Pomegranates to Your Ducks

As a nutritious treat, pomegranates to ducks can potentially contribute to your duck’s health in many ways as it is rich in plenty of essential nutrients. I think the following points might be handy. 

1. Mental Well-being: Pomegranates are a great source of antioxidants. Oxidative stress can harm ducks’ health and immunity, but antioxidants can help prevent or lessen it.
2. Vitamins are a Game Changer: Pomegranates are a rich source of vitamins. They help ducks to have better eye health and skin conditions and prevent infection. Also, these essential vitamins help them increase their tolerance level.
3. Make Ducks Look Shiny: Minerals (vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B9) in the pomegranates will help them form bones, feathers, and eggshells, activate enzymes, and regulate blood sugar. As a result, they will look happy and shiny. 
4. Boosts Muscle Development: Carbohydrates will play a big role for them. They will help your feathered friends become stronger and stay in top shape. In addition, magnesium in pomegranates ensures proper calcium movement in a duck’s body and ensures better bone health.
5. Hydration: Same old stuff! Around 80% of pomegranates are water content, which covers 8% of the water requirements. So, it surely contributes to staying hydrated. 
6. Fluid Balance: Potassium in pomegranates will help them maintain fluid balance.

Overconsumption of Pomegranates: 3 Risks and Precautions

When your ducks overeat pomegranates, they may face serious health consequences. It can hamper the duck’s heart health. In some cases, it may lead to death. 

• Pesticides, as we know, can create trouble. So, properly wash it before giving it to your ducks. 
• Pomegranates might be too large and can cause digestive issues. That is why it’s necessary to chop or mash the pomegranate seeds before giving them to the ducks.
• Pomegranates come with excessive sugar or acidity for ducks. So, it is important to give them in ideal quantity and balance it with other foods that provide protein and minerals.

How to Serve Pomegranates?

We will clear two things in this section. Guessing the ideal quantity for ducks and a step-by-step serving approach.

How Much is Ideal Quantity?

This is not specific. Various duck species may intake different amounts of food daily. However, in general, ducks weighing 4 pounds may intake half of the pomegranates. Always give them fresh fruits and avoid giving them the skin and the stem. 

How often do you give? I guess once a week sounds perfect.

Recommended Read: Stone Fruits for Ducks

Feeding Approach 

To feed your ducks pomegranates, you are required to follow a few simple steps. 

• Step 1: Collect fresh pomegranates from the market. Although, it’s expensive.
• Step 2: Wash the pomegranate thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides
• Step 3: Cut the pomegranate into small pieces or mash the seeds before offering them to the ducks.
• Step 4: Serve it on a plate or a bowl with some water if you want. 

You may watch this video to learn how to de-seed the pomegranates. 

Bottom Line

So, ducks can surely eat pomegranates. But tell me, what fruit they aren’t crazy about? So, the thing is whether or not they should eat it. My point of view is that do not be too serious about giving pomegranates to your feathered buddies. 

Pomegranates have sugar and contain excessive carbohydrates. These food components can cause plenty of health issues like obesity, laziness, being overweight, and all that. Even if they can eat it, why are you too serious about giving such expensive fruit like pomegranates after knowing all the risk factors?

Sources & References:

• https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/06/health/pomegranate-hepatitis-a-death-australia/index.html